RBBmba@2014 wrote:@ GMATGuruNY - couple of quick clarifications required on VERBed modifier in this SC and as a whole...
1. If we say that in E, COMMA + VERBed ,first made modifies the COMPLETE preceding NOUN Phrase an observation about electric current, then will it be wrong as far as application of VERBed modifier is concerned on GMAT ? ( However, E is still an INCORRECT option for other reasons)
COMMA + VERBed must serve to modify the nearest preceding NOUN.
In E, COMMA +
first made CANNOT serve to modify
observation, since
observation is NOT the nearest preceding noun.
Rather, it must serve to modify
current, the nearest preceding noun.
As a result, E conveys that the CURRENT was FIRST MADE in 1845 -- a distortion of the intended meaning.
2. NO COMMA + VERBed : So, it may (or may not) refer to nearest preceding NOUN (or NOUN Phrase) on GMAT.
BUT COMMA + VERBed ALWAYS serves to refer to the nearest preceding NOUN (or NOUN Phrase) on GMAT. Did I get you right ?
COMMA + VERBed must serve to modify the nearest preceding NOUN.
NO COMMA + VERBed may modify either the nearest preceding noun OR the nearest preceding NOUN PHRASE.
In the OA,
first made modifies
an observation about electric current -- the nearest preceding noun PHRASE -- correctly conveying that AN OBSERVATION ABOUT ELECTRIC CURRENT was FIRST MADE in 1845.
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